In a rivalry that spans decades, the Berkeley Prep Buccaneers sweet the Tampa Prep Terrapins on Carol Chalu Court in Tampa (25-18, 25-19, 25-19).
An electric crowd on senior night ignited the play between the two rivals who have combined for 30 state championships and 42 final four appearances.
The intensity made its effect on the floor throughout the match highlighted by Berkeley Prep’s associate head coach Eugene Tichenor earning a yellow card in the second set while arguing a close call regarding Penn State commit Jenna Hampton. Moments later, close calls on potential kills for Penn State commit Amanda Phegley were also visibly questioned throughout the set.
Despite trailing early in each set, Berkeley Prep (15-2, 5-0) was able to overcome the hostile environment.
The Buccaneers were led by a dominant backline defense and strong performances in sets 2 and 3 by Jenna Hampton (8 kills, 3 digs), Amanda Phegley (5 kills, 4 blocks) and Isabella Samson (8 kills, 2 blocks).
A game Terrapins team started off strong in each set but could not consistently compete with the superb backline defense of Berkeley Prep. Strong performances from Kaitlyn Ferguson and Julia Molick, who entered the match 13th and 23rd respectively in blocks in Florida, were not enough as multiple serve errors switched momentum throughout.
With the win, Berkeley Prep is now 20-2 against Tampa Prep since the 2007 season.
Up next for Berkeley Prep, the Buccaneers will host district foe Clearwater Central Catholic Tuesday, October 10th. Berkeley Prep leads 5A District 9 with an undefeated record in district (5-0).
Up next for Tamp Prep (10-14, 4-3), the Terrapins will head to Clearwater to face a Calvary Christian team looking to make a late playoff push.